Moldova surprises with its fascinating diversity. From wine regions and lively cities to picturesque villages and ancient monasteries, the country hides a multitude of unknown treasures waiting to be discovered.
This is a list of tourist destinations and beautiful places in Moldova, places that are certainly worth visiting, though many are unknown.
- Alexandru Donici Museum-House
On the estate owned by Dimitrie Donici, inherited from his father Constantin Donici, this beautiful manor was built in 1765 by the fabulist’s parents, Dumitru and Elena Donici. The house plan, as resulting from a sketch drawn up on May 14, 1973, by a design institute, represented the actual state of the manor at that time and served as the starting point for its restoration to establish a memorial museum.
- Manuc Bey Manor
Manuc Bey’s Manor is located in the town of Hîncești in the central-western part of the Republic of Moldova; it includes the following buildings: Manuc’s Palace, the Steward’s House, the Countess’s Building, the Hunting Castle, and the Watchtower.
- National Museum of Art
The National Museum of Art of Moldova, one of the most prestigious museum institutions in Moldova, was founded in 1939. Located in the center of Chișinău, this museum houses its valuable collections in three remarkable architectural buildings from the late 19th to the early 20th century: the Hertza House, the Kligman House, and the Dadiani headquarters.
- Dmitri Kara Ceban Ethnographic Museum
On September 16, 1966, the first Gagauz national museum was founded in the village of Beșalma.
On this day, a local librarian named D. Karaceoban was granted the right to place his historical and ethnographic materials in an old village council building. D. Karaceoban was a scientific worker, museum servant, photographer, director, painter, woodworker, filmmaker, artist, and carpenter. Initially, the work was done on a voluntary basis, and only after a year did the “Adevărul” collective farm allocate a monthly salary for Kara Ceban. Over time, he gained partial recognition and continued collecting exhibit items from the Bugeac villages, gradually expanding the museum’s exhibition.
- Petru Costin Museum
Dozens of monuments, busts, and aircraft from the Soviet period have found their place in the only open-air museum of socialism and communism in the Republic of Moldova. The owner of the museum, reserve colonel Petru Costin, collected the exhibits over decades, even gathering some objects from landfills.
The museum belongs to the renowned Moldovan collector Petru Costin, who entered the Guinness World Records with the largest collection of horseshoes.
Those who know Petru Costin say he is an unusual collector. For over half a century, the colonel has been gathering busts, monuments, helicopters, and other objects dating from the Soviet period from all corners of the Republic of Moldova. A year ago, the collector decided to display his hard-earned objects in an open-air museum so these fragments of Soviet history could be viewed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main attractions at the Manuc Bey Manor?
The complex includes Manuc’s Palace, the Steward’s House, the Countess’s Building, a Hunting Castle, and a Watchtower.
Which museum in Moldova holds a Guinness World Record?
The Petru Costin Museum is famous for its owner holding the record for the largest collection of horseshoes, alongside a vast array of Soviet-era artifacts.
What is unique about the museum in Beșalma?
Founded in 1966 by Dmitri Kara Ceban, it is the first museum dedicated to the Gagauz nationality, showcasing the specific history and ethnography of the Bugeac region.